A virtual meeting of the Pakistan Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Group took place on 25 November 2025, convened by Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan from Pakistan with Uzbek members under Convenor Senator Kutbiddin Burkhanov joining by video link. The session at Parliament House, Islamabad, included Senator Kamran Murtaza, Miss Misbah Khar in her role as Advisor to the Chairman Senate and Secretary of the Friendship Groups, and Uzbek Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev, with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce also present.
The Uzbek delegation underscored the deep historical, cultural, economic and social links between the two countries and congratulated Pakistan for successfully hosting the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference. Senator Kutbiddin Burkhanov praised the conference theme of peace, security and development and acknowledged efforts by the Chairman Senate and Miss Misbah Khar in promoting parliamentary dialogue and cooperation.
Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan highlighted the potential to expand trade, cultural exchange and mutual defence and security cooperation against the backdrop of shared regional challenges. He stressed the significance of regional connectivity and reiterated Pakistan’s strong interest in the development of the Trans-Afghan Pakistan Railway as a cornerstone for Central Asia South Asia connectivity and broader economic integration.
Participants noted rising trade volumes between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and set a mutual objective to grow bilateral trade to USD 2 billion annually. Investment opportunities were identified in the pharmaceutical, agriculture, defence, textile and tourism sectors, and attendees welcomed ongoing efforts toward tax integration aimed at easing trade and reducing barriers to investment.
Miss Misbah Khar drew attention to common challenges and emerging opportunities in trade, development and security, and she welcomed the commencement of direct flights between the two countries as a practical step to boost people to people contact. The recent visit by the Deputy Chairman of Oliy Majlis Uzbekistan, Senator Sodyq Safoev, was highlighted as further evidence of deepening ties.
The meeting was described as a constructive move towards enhanced parliamentary cooperation, with both sides agreeing on regular exchanges across parliamentary, business and educational channels. Invitations were extended for reciprocal visits, and both delegations reaffirmed their resolve to deepen Pakistan Uzbekistan cooperation in culture, history, trade, development and regional peace.
